SpotlightMarch2019

crew, then please protect them if you decide to visit. They are curious, for the same reason you are visiting, to see what is going on. They will touch things that could be danger- ous or fall over something that an adult would not. So please, either keep them outside the work area or contain them. I know it is easier said than done, but we really don’t want to see any kids get hurt. It is okay to expose them to the process and maybe they will grow up to be a carpenter, plumber, electrician or engineer. It is good to be curious, but always be safe. Permission is wise - I know it’s your house, but it is our work site and it may not be safe for you at certain times during the process. It is always better to ask permission to enter or visit a job site, then experience an injury. Hazard Assessments or “Work that Hurts” as we like to call it – Any company who has a safety program will have a hazard assessment of the job site, so that dangers can be identified and controlled. Each individual should be aware of these hazards before setting foot onsite. Any company your hire should have a “Certified Safety Program,” which means they follow the regu- lations set out in the Occupational Health & Safety Act. All responsible contractors have a safety program to protect their most valuable resource, their employees. Additionally, all reputable con- tractors have a “Letter of Good Standing” from the Workers Com- pensation Board (WCB), which protects the employee in case of injury on the job site. WCB coverage also protects the client from poten- tial lawsuit if an injury does occur

and the contractor is not covered. If your contractor doesn’t have WCB coverage, you could be personally liable for an injury claim. Don’t risk it, always ask for proof of coverage. When you decide to hire a contractor or enter a construction site, safety should be a high priority. Accidents happen, but with proper planning, training and communication, they don’t have to. I hope the above notes provide a little insight into the hazards associated with a renovation project and allows safety to be a priority on your jobsite, for the sake of you, your family and the men and women working to make your home beautiful. Dan Monk is a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.), Red Seal Carpen- ter and the Owner of Monk Renovations. Dan and the team at Monk Renovations can provide you with an outstanding home renovation experiences regardless of the size of your project. Twitter @monkrenovations Facebook & Instagram @monkreno www.monkreno.com

HALIFAX’S TRUSTED PROFESSIONALS for KITCHEN, BATHROOM and BASEMENT RENOVATIONS

K I T C H E N • B AT H R O O M • B A S E M E N T • A D D I T I O N S E X T E R I O R S • D E C K S & A N Y T H I N G I N B E T W E E N !

2018 RENOVATOR OF THE YEAR 2017 MOST OUTSTANDING KITCHEN RENOVATION 2016 RENOVATOR OF THE YEAR 2016 MOST OUTSTANDING KITCHEN RENOVATION

2016 BRONZE WINNER! SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR HALIFAX BUSINESS AWARDS

We would like to be your contractor of choice. Please call, email us: (902) 497-0011 info@monkreno.com www.monkreno.com

23

MARCH 2019 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog